Percocet is a prescription painkiller that contains a combination of oxycodone (a semi-synthetic opiate) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). Percocet provides relief for moderate to severe pain and lasts up to 3 to 5 hours depending on the formulation. OxyContin, another oxycodone-based painkiller can provide relief up to 12 hours, due to its time-release properties.
Percocet Abuse and Addiction
Percocet is a strong pain reliever most often prescribed for intense, short-term pain felt after surgery or trauma, but it is also sometimes used for patients with severe chronic pain. Percocet is often seen as a safer way to get high because it is legal to purchase (it is available with a prescription).
However, Percocet is still widely abused for its narcotic effect. A high enough dose can result in a sense of euphoria similar to that experienced by heroin users. Abuse of Percocet can lead to addiction to Percocet or to something harder.
Side Effects of Percocet
When using Percocet, nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, signs of your adrenal glands not working well (such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, seizure, slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How to spot Fake Percocet
A counterfeit pill is a medication or pharmaceutical item which is produced and sold with the intent to deceptively represent its origin, authenticity or effectiveness. Most of the opioid related deaths have being linked with fentanyl laced counterfeit pills sold by drug traffickers and their collaborators.
The DEA considers fentanyl-containing counterfeit medications a global threat, and news releases highlight ongoing counterfeit production of these medications. Fentanyl is an opioid 25 to 40 times stronger than heroin and used for chronic, severe pain, often in terminally ill cancer patients.
Counterfeit fentanyl pills are showing up on the streets in many countries. Their use can be deadly. DO NOT buy any drugs from street dealers or from online dealers; you have no idea what might be in the pills. Each time you get a prescription refilled, check the color, texture, taste and shape of the medicine. If there is anything different, talk to your pharmacist. If you are getting a prescription filled for the first time, or you have been given a medicine that looks different, try the Pill Identifier to check.
It can match the imprint, size, shape, or color of your tablet and lead you to the detailed description in a drug database .
In any case where you suspect you may be in possession of a counterfeit medicine take it to your pharmacist for verification. Never take any medicine you suspect to be fraudulent or incorrect.
And remember, illicit fake drugs bought on the street can be made to look exactly like the real drugs, so this is not always a foolproof way to identify pills bought illegally. SEE: How to Spot Fake M30 Blue Oxycodone Pills
Fentanyl Test for fake Percocet Pills
Rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS), can be used to detect fentanyl in drugs. They may help inform people who use drugs about their risk of fentanyl exposure prior to consumption. Here is how to carry out the test;
